Inflating Steel

Called Architonic Concept Space III, the installation is made using FIDU technology, whereby welded sheet metal sleeves are pressure-inflated “like rubber toys” to create 3D forms.

FIDU means inflating steel just like rubber toys!
With one exception - objects created this way are not necessarily toys.

Inflated steel sheets have a very high weight-capacity, so these funny looking shapes are indeed an innovative construction technology.
Developed as a method of steel sheet stabilization, FIDU opens new possibilities of forming for the design objects and ultra-light constructions.

Every shape cut from steel sheet can be inflated into a 3D object.
The contours of the metal sheets are cut using a laser, welded together by a robot and then inflated at high pressure to form a 3D object.

Oskar Zietaa has been working as a research associate and a teaching assistant at the chair of CAAD at the ETH in Zurich and writing his doctor thesis under supervision of Prof. Dr. Ludger Hovestadt. Main focus of his thesis is the input of computer-controlled machines in processing of metal sheets in the architecture and design. During his research at the ETH, Oskar Zieta has developed different methods of enhancing efficiency of technology for steel design, architecture and construction. Among others, FIDU technology was developed. FIDU means that the two steel sheets, previously welded together around their edges, are inflated under high pressure to create a 3d object.

This method of 3d shaping means better efficiency and very high durability of products.

Read more at: http://www.architonic.com/ntsht/blow-up-sheet-metal/7000205